Basil is a common herb in many households. However, did you know that it can be of use toward being more healthy? Basil is a great alternative health treatment for a number of minor ailments. Grown originally in the Middle East and Asia, this herb traveled the world along the spice trail. Basil has hundreds of varieties, has been grown and used for 5,000 years and is now cultivated in a number of countries. All of basil’s varieties have individual and unique chemical make-ups.
Still, the base medicinal properties remain consistent from one strain to another. Basil is widely used as a natural anti-inflammatory. This herb is similar to the compounds found in medical marijuana and oregano, but it can be used as a substitute for the medical marijuana because basil offers the same relief without getting high. The same compound that makes basil useful as anti-inflammatory is also believed to help fight rheumatoid arthritis and bowel inflammation.
What is not as well know are the many other herbal uses of basil. The herb is a traditional remedy which has been used for hundreds of years in many cultures for a number uses besides cooking. In this article we will discus all the other uses of basil, which you may not know about.
Basil pesto
This is one of the most popular culinary uses of basil and variations of this are used around the word, in many cultures. We add pesto to everything from meats, to slices of fresh cucumber, to eggs.
Calm your stomach
By adding basil to everything, the Italians may be actually on to something. It is believed to have a calming effect on the stomach. If you add a half teaspoon of fresh or dried basil leaf in water, it can help alleviate feelings of fullness and sooth indigestion.
General cooking
Dried basil can be added to almost any dish. It is used in many different cuisines around the world with a good reason. Basil adds a flavor and depth which isn’t rivaled by other herbs. You can make a homemade spice blend and include it into priactically anything.
Facial steam for headache
A facial steam with dried basil leaf may alleviate a headache. All you have to do is add one tablespoon of dried basil leaf to two cups of boiling water in a big cup or jar. Now, slowly lean over the cup or jar, cover your head with a towel and then breathe in the steam for about five to ten minutes, until headache starts to subside.
Bites and stings
If you are one of those people who were bitten or stung by an insect and you do not have any Plantain growing nearby, all you have to do is chew up a basil leaf and apply it to the bite. It’ll help relieve the pain and draw out the poison.
Blood sugar
According to a research, there is some evidence that this herb can help level out blood sugar, if it is drunken as a tea or juice and consumed regularly.
Stress reduction
Many herbalists suggest that you add two cups of strong basil leaf tea to a warm bath in order to help facilitate relaxation and reduce stress.